PM Modi Flags Off Four New Vande Bharat Trains to This Route

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi, marking another significant step in India’s push to modernise its railway infrastructure. These high-speed trains aim to provide faster, more comfortable, and energy-efficient travel while improving connectivity across multiple regions. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to boosting economic activity, supporting tourism, and enhancing regional mobility.

Vande Bharat Express: India’s Premium Rail Experience

The Vande Bharat Express is India’s flagship semi-high-speed train, known for its modern amenities, reduced travel times, and enhanced passenger comfort. With each new route, the train network is expanding deeper into India’s heartland, linking cultural, economic, and educational hubs.

Key Highlights of the New Routes

1. Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat

This newly inaugurated route is a major boost for cultural and religious tourism. Connecting Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho, the train establishes direct connectivity between some of India’s most revered spiritual and heritage destinations.

• Time saved: Approx. 2 hours 40 minutes
• Significance: Promotes religious tourism and enhances intercity travel in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

2. Lucknow-Saharanpur Vande Bharat

This train enhances intra-state connectivity in Uttar Pradesh, linking key urban centers and easing access to the spiritual town of Haridwar via Roorkee.

• Total journey time: Around 7 hours 45 minutes
• Time saved: Nearly 1 hour
• Key cities covered: Lucknow, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, Saharanpur

3. Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat

Designed as the fastest train on this route, it significantly boosts connectivity between Delhi and Punjab.

• Total journey time: Just 6 hours 40 minutes
• Cities linked: Firozpur, Bathinda, Patiala to the National Capital Region
• Benefits: Facilitates business, education, and travel between Punjab and Delhi

4. Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat

In southern India, this route connects major IT and commercial hubs, significantly reducing travel time and improving options for daily commuters and professionals.

• Total journey time: 8 hours 40 minutes
• Time saved: Over 2 hours
• Significance: Faster, reliable service for students, professionals, and tourists between Kerala and Karnataka

Prime Minister’s Message

While flagging off the new trains, PM Modi highlighted their potential to reduce travel time, boost tourism, and promote economic development. He emphasised the role of modern railway infrastructure in making daily travel more efficient and in bringing regions closer—both physically and economically. The Prime Minister also underlined that these trains represent not just speed and convenience, but also India’s technological progress and self-reliance in manufacturing.

Static GK Facts

• First Vande Bharat Express was launched on February 15, 2019, between New Delhi and Varanasi.
• Vande Bharat trains are also known as Train 18, a semi-high-speed train developed by Integral Coach Factory, Chennai.
• Designed for speeds up to 180 km/h, though current operations are capped at 130–160 km/h.
• The train is fully ‘Make in India’, with over 80% indigenous components.
• Equipped with Kavach, India’s indigenous train collision avoidance system, on selected routes.
• As of 2025, over 50 Vande Bharat routes are planned under Indian Railways’ expansion programme.